What is GGT
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, its main role is to break down glutathione, an antioxidant that protects our cells from damage caused by free radicals. GGT is additionally found in other organs such as the pancreas, kidneys, and the spleen, but it will be present in far smaller quantities.
How does GGT work?
GGT oversees the transfer of amino acids across cell membranes, which is completed by breaking down glutathione. The overall process aids in the maintenance of a healthy level of glutathione in the body, and therefore protects our cells from oxidative stress.What can GGT levels tell us about our health?
When levels of GGT become elevated in the blood, it often indicates potential liver disease or damage, as the liver is responsible for the production of GGT. If liver cells get damaged or become inflamed GGT is released into the bloodstream.
What can GGT levels tell us about our health?
When levels of GGT become elevated in the blood, it often indicates potential liver disease or damage, as the liver is responsible for the production of GGT. If liver cells get damaged or become inflamed GGT is released into the bloodstream.
High GGT levels
High levels of GGT can go undetected due to rarely causing noticeable symptoms, however, if the underlying cause is liver disease or damage, symptoms can include:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
It is important to note that abnormal GGT levels can be a result of certain medications, these will typically normalise when the medication is stopped, however, other causes of elevated GGT levels can include:
- Heart failure
- Blockage of the bile duct
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Excessive Alcohol
- Liver Disease
Low GGT levels
Low or normal levels of GGT indicates that it is unlikely that you have any form of underlying liver disease or damage.
How can we maintain Healthy GGT levels?
The most important thing to keep healthy in regards to maintaining GGT levels is your liver. Because raised GGT levels are synonymous with liber damage or disease, keeping the organ healthy will reduce the chances of developing any future complications.
There are a few ways to maintain, or improve, your levels of GGT:
- Limit alcohol consumption: One of the most effective ways to improve levels of GGT is to limit the consumption of alcohol, or stop it entirely, as alcohol can cause permanent damage to liver over a period of time.
- Quit smoking: Stopping smoking can improve your overall health, but also keep GGT levels low, as smoking can increase GGT.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Through maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, along with exercising regularly to avoid being overweight, you can keep GGT levels from rising.
- Monitor use of medication: Certain types of medication can temporarily increase levels of GGT, or can cause secondary damage to the liver if taken in high doses.
Testing GGT
GGT is tested during liver function blood tests as it is found in liver cells, usually these types of tests also measure a variety of other markers that are present in the liver that may cause complications.
We offer a Liver Function Test that includes GGT.
Our Blood Test:
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Comprehensive 26 Biomarker Essential Health Blood Test including professional blood draw and fast laboratory results within 24 hours.
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Comprehensive thyroid blood test measuring 11 key biomarkers, from thyroid antibodies, iron status to vitamins with fast 24 hour results.
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